NATIONAL GARDENING LEAVE

In this pamphlet, co-published with nef (the new economics foundation) Molly Conisbee and Andrew Simms argue that we would all be better off if we all spent less time in the office. They make the case for a new, voluntary scheme to introduce a shorter working week known as National Gardening Leave. They suggest adapting a wide range of available spaces for the rapid expansion of gardening, both productive and aesthetic, in Britain’s towns and cities.

National Gardening Leave would leave people happier, healthier and better equipped for our challenging times. It would make the economy more resilient, better positioned for the modern world, and more protected from external food and energy price shocks. It would also make communities stronger and more convivial places to live.